For years, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) had one firm rule: no extracurricular racing. Dirt tracks? Forbidden. Sprint cars? Don’t even think about it. The logic was sound—keep the drivers safe and their focus on NASCAR’s grueling schedule. But that all changed recently, and the surprise culprit behind the shift is none other than Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs’ grandson.

Turns out Ty has caught the dirt-racing bug, and Grandpa Joe has loosened the reins, giving his drivers the green light to chase the dirt dream—as long as they meet the team’s approval process. This decision, while exciting on its own, comes with a fun side effect: Christopher Bell is back on dirt, and that can only mean one thing—his epic rivalry with Kyle Larson might be about to make a comeback.

A dirt rivalry revived

Christopher Bell is no stranger to dirt racing greatness. With three Chili Bowl Nationals wins to his name, he’s one of the best in the business. But since joining JGR, Bell had to leave dirt behind, thanks to the team’s tight restrictions. Now, with the new policy, Bell is ready to jump back in—and fans couldn’t be more excited.

Bell teased his return with a cheeky, “See you guys at a dirt track soon 😎.” And while the dirt world welcomed him back with open arms, Kyle Larson, arguably the only driver who could challenge Bell in his element, had something to say too.

“It’s still Christopher Bell we’re talking about,” Larson said, clearly fired up at the prospect of his old sparring partner back in the game. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes out and wins his first race back. Hopefully, we’ll get to race and battle up front like we used to. And hopefully, I come out on top more often because he beat me all the time for a long time.”

That’s right—Kyle Larson openly admits Bell used to school him on dirt tracks. But the tables have turned a bit since Bell’s two-year dirt hiatus. “He’s got the upper hand for a little bit,” Bell acknowledged. “I’ve got to get my dirt shoes underneath me again. Hopefully, it’s like riding a bike.”

The thought of these two duking it out again is thrilling. They’ve faced off in countless dirt races over the years, each pushing the other to the limit. And while Bell might need a little time to shake off the rust, don’t count him out.

From dirt to cup and back again

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Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell’s rivalry isn’t just confined to dirt tracks. Their on-track battles have extended into the NASCAR Cup Series, where both drivers have proven to be top-tier competitors.

Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, has mastered the art of switching between disciplines, dominating wherever he races. Larson attempted his most daring switch while attempting the Indy500 and Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day in 2024! However, weather played spoilsport at that spectacle, as Larson could only compete at the Indy500 in a rain-delayed start. With reignited passion, he is set to attempt it in 2025 again.

Bell, meanwhile, has cemented himself as a consistent top-level performer in the Cup series, with the pair leading the 2024 championship for much of the season until both were knocked out in the round of eight. Larson missed out on the championship 4 due to pit crew mishaps and some poor decision-making in the playoffs. However, Bell’s misfortune came with heaps of controversy.

At Martinsville, in a last-lap attempt to gain a spot and knock out William Byron, Bell overtook a slowing Bubba Wallace, only to spin out and drive into the wall, riding it until he got control of his car again. NASCAR deemed this move illegal and docked his points, eliminating him from the Championship 4, as Byron progressed. Bell will look to put that behind him as he attempts to reignite his rivalry with Larson.

For Larson, Bell’s return to dirt is more than just a fun reunion; it’s a reminder of how far they’ve both come. “I think it’s good for the sport,” Larson said. “Dirt racing has such a passionate fan base, and bringing guys like Christopher back into it helps build that connection.”

And it’s not just Bell who benefits from JGR’s relaxed rules. Ty Gibbs is slowly finding his groove in dirt racing, learning the ropes alongside Chase Briscoe, another JGR driver with dirt track experience.

So, why the change of heart at JGR? Bell credits Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe for shifting the conversation. “I was definitely caught off guard by the change of policy,” Bell admitted. “But with Chase coming on board and Ty growing an interest in dirt racing, it’s nice we have the majority of our team aligned with it now.”

Chase Briscoe, who’s been vocal about his love for dirt racing, also weighed in. “I could tell it wasn’t a hard ‘no,’ but it wasn’t something they were super thrilled about. Still, I didn’t think I’d be able to do stuff like this so soon.”

As for Bell, he’s just excited to get back to doing what he loves. And Kyle Larson? He’s ready to pick up right where they left off. “Hopefully, we’ll get to have some duels like we used to—and hopefully, I come out on top this time.”

Buckle up dirt fans. The Bell-Larson show is making a comeback, and it’s going to be one heck of a ride.